As far as I'm aware he's a LB and is already being groomed as back-up or challenger for Mitchell's position.

AWB would be a RB option. However, I wouldn't want him if there was an obligation to buy as I assume he'd be too expensive. But if Man U can't offload him elsewhere, who knows, although I expect there will be takers for a RB who can defend.

I think it's a question of a). timing and b). an honest assessment of whether Nathan Ferguson is expected to have a future (as a footballer, let alone at Palace).

Timing: Our funds are finite and we have a few holes to fill in the squad this summer (not least in midfield). While we do need a long-term answer at RB and I do in general terms like the idea of one of our own (AWB) coming back home, I'm pretty confident we can get at least one more season out of Clyne/Ward. Given how those two have handled things this season, I'm inclined to think our need to find a new RB isn't as urgent as I thought it was a few months ago.

Ferguson: He's in the last year of his contract next season. If he can finally get fit and start playing and he comes through next season then our need for AWB is vastly diminished. Why not give our investment in Ferguson one more year to pay off, with Ward/Clyne also in the mix, before deciding to spend money on someone who would essentially be a replacement for all three?

On balance, I don't think the timing is right for AWB. At the end of next season it might be, but I'm not so sure we need him this summer. I'd rather spend the money elsewhere.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

they may still owe us half the money as will be paying us in instalments.
I remember this happening when we got Wilf back and we only had to pay them approx £3.5m in the end.

On the evidence of the past two seasons, I'd agree with that. However, whether it's due to a lack of ability or simply very poor coaching at United is less clear. Plenty of talented players have seen their careers go into reverse at Old Trafford the past two years so I'm not convinced the problem is entirely down to AWB's lack of ability.

In fact, I look at how many Palace players have improved dramatically this season with the top-class coaching team we now have (Gallagher, Mateta, etc.) and I can't help wondering what they could do with AWB, restoring his confidence and developing his game. I'd argue that the raw materials are there and I'd trust PV and his coaching team to get the best out of him.

The truth is United have wasted two years of a very promising young player's career. But he's still young and far from a write-off yet.

That me be true, but I'd let Vieira make that decision. Quite seriously, he knows exactly what he (and we) need. If PV wants AWB, I'd be more than happy to back him.

Sydenham by birth. Selhurst by the Grace of God.

No

SP even stated he wanted it all and that was agreed.

We only paid that much for Wilf because we had paid a loan fee if you listen to the people involved with the deal Palace paid the same amount United did for him which was around 13-16m.

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Euros 8 million with add ons relating to goals and international appearances.